Overbite (Class 2 problems)

Class II problems represent abnormal bite relationships in which the upper jaw and its teeth are located in front of the lower jaw. Class II patients usually exhibit a convex facial profile with a recessed chin. In most cases, this relationship is due to inherited characteristics.

Underbite (Class 3 problems)

Class III problems are also primarily genetic in origin. In this instance, the lower jaw and teeth are positioned in the front of the upper jaw structures. Facially, the appearance may give the impression that the lower jaw is excessively large, but in many cases the lack of upper jaw development is at fault.

Crowding

Crowding of the teeth is probably the most common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Although many factors contribute to dental crowding, this problem usually stems from a discrepancy between space available in each jaw and the size of the teeth.

Spacing

Spaces between teeth are another common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Like crowding, spacing may be related to a tooth-to-jaw size disharmony.

Deep Overbite

Excessive vertical overlapping of incisor teeth is generally found in association with a discrepancy between the length of the upper and lower jaws. It usually results in excessive eruption of the upper or lower incisors or both.

Open Bite

A lack of vertical overlap of the incisor teeth can usually be traced to jaw disharmony or local factors (i.e., digit sucking habits and posturing of the tongue between the front teeth) or excessive vertical growth of one or both jaws. Early assessment and intervention with these disorders is critical to overall success.

Posterior crossbites usually result from a constricted upper jaw or abnormally wide lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will often force a patient to move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this accommodated position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth.

Problems with altered function of the TMJ (Jaw Joint) and associated muscles are usually the result of multiple factors. These factors may include facial injuries, stress, malocclusion, and parafuntional habits such as clenching and grinding. Symptoms can include headache, pain around the ear area, limited jaw movement or noticeable clicking or popping.

Mirror Test Your Smile:

Look at your smile in a mirror or your child's smile.  If you see the warning signs of a bad bite, we can help you. Give our office a call!

1. Top front teeth protrude or are "bucked"
2. Top front teeth cover more than a quarter of the bottom front teeth when the back teeth are biting together
3. Top front teeth fit behind the bottom front teeth
4. A weak chin or a prominent chin
5. A space exists between the top and bottom front teeth with the back teeth biting together
6. Crowded, overlapped, misplaced teeth or extra teeth
7. Some teeth don't meet at all
8. The center-lines of the top and bottom front teeth don't line up

In addition there are some other signs that warrant an orthodontic evaluation as soon as possible.  These include: